Plain English Breakdown
The official source states provisions are operative January 1, 2027, but does not specify an exact effective date in the metadata field provided.
AB-849: Rules for Medical Chaperones During Sensitive Ultrasound Exams
This law requires providers offering sensitive ultrasound exams to tell patients they can ask for a medical chaperone, sets rules for training staff, and mandates recording when a chaperone is present.
What This Bill Does
- Requires providers who offer sensitive examinations to give notice that a medical chaperone will be available if the patient asks for one.
- Allows the notice to be given as a hard copy, an electronic message, or verbally to the patient or their legal guardian.
- Gives providers the right to refuse performing a sensitive examination if they decide a chaperone must be present and one is not requested.
- Requires training for sonographers and staff who may serve as medical chaperones on topics like observation and intervention techniques.
- Mandates that providers document in the patient's health record when a medical chaperone was present after being requested.
Who It Names or Affects
- Providers defined by the law who offer sensitive examinations.
- Patients receiving ultrasound exams of specific body areas, including genitalia.
- Sonographers and clinical or nonclinical staff members trained to serve as medical chaperones.
Terms To Know
- Sensitive examination
- An ultrasound exam performed by a sonographer on certain body areas, including genitalia.
- Medical chaperone
- A person present to assist or observe during a sensitive medical examination upon patient request.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not take effect until January 1, 2027.
- Violating these new requirements is considered a crime under existing state laws.
- No reimbursement from the state is required for costs related to this act.